11/10/2011

Going to Grandma's Toddler Backpack

Jason and I snuck away for a much needed little vacation. A romantic, fancy, potty-learning-free vacation. Jude stayed with my parents, whom he loves and spends lots of time with. I knew that he would have a great time, but I also knew I would miss him really bad. I decided a special mama-made backpack would be just the right way to send him off. A nice little reminder of how much I love him.

I didn't use a pattern, I just winged it. I wanted it to be kind of old school style. The flap is held down with magnetic snaps, easy for him to do himself, and easier for me than sewing a zipper. The elephant fabric is from Spoonflower, and the red is outdoor fabric from my stash. I discovered too late that the outdoor fabric couldn't be ironed without sort of melting, not the best choice, but I made it work. Instead of interfacing, I ran bias around the inside seams to help make it more sturdy. I was going to try to figure out adjustable straps but then I just really needed to be done, so I tried it on him, guessed the strap length, and called it good. The straps are quilted with a little fleece and it must be comfortable because he refused to take it off.

The trip was a total success. It turns out I do still know how to relax, and while we both missed Jude terribly, it felt great to spend focused attention on each other. This parenting gig is serious business. The kind of job that often has us working in shifts. And when we spend time as a family, Jason and I are often side-by-side, looking out at our son and our future. It was so nice to take a few days to turn and face each other, reveling in the fact that we are still madly in love. Oh, and Jude? He didn't miss us a bit, he was way too busy having fun and turning into a four year old over night.

Here's to amazing grandparents, recharged parents, and the ever-more-independent little boy they love with all their hearts.

Comments

Going to Grandma's Toddler Backpack

Jason and I snuck away for a much needed little vacation. A romantic, fancy, potty-learning-free vacation. Jude stayed with my parents, whom he loves and spends lots of time with. I knew that he would have a great time, but I also knew I would miss him really bad. I decided a special mama-made backpack would be just the right way to send him off. A nice little reminder of how much I love him.

I didn't use a pattern, I just winged it. I wanted it to be kind of old school style. The flap is held down with magnetic snaps, easy for him to do himself, and easier for me than sewing a zipper. The elephant fabric is from Spoonflower, and the red is outdoor fabric from my stash. I discovered too late that the outdoor fabric couldn't be ironed without sort of melting, not the best choice, but I made it work. Instead of interfacing, I ran bias around the inside seams to help make it more sturdy. I was going to try to figure out adjustable straps but then I just really needed to be done, so I tried it on him, guessed the strap length, and called it good. The straps are quilted with a little fleece and it must be comfortable because he refused to take it off.

The trip was a total success. It turns out I do still know how to relax, and while we both missed Jude terribly, it felt great to spend focused attention on each other. This parenting gig is serious business. The kind of job that often has us working in shifts. And when we spend time as a family, Jason and I are often side-by-side, looking out at our son and our future. It was so nice to take a few days to turn and face each other, reveling in the fact that we are still madly in love. Oh, and Jude? He didn't miss us a bit, he was way too busy having fun and turning into a four year old over night.

Here's to amazing grandparents, recharged parents, and the ever-more-independent little boy they love with all their hearts.

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